Attic Ventilation System

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for venting an attic where a central controller is connected to at least one temperature detector located inside the attic, at least one other temperature detector located outside of the attic, at least one attic vent clamp which is located in the roof to permit airflow through the roof when open to facilitate ventilation of the attic space, and at least one attic exhaust fan located within the attic. Data from the temperature detectors is processed by an algorithm in the central controller which, based on the information provided by the temperature detectors, operates of at least one attic exhaust fan and attic vent clamp either simultaneously or independently to control the temperature of the air in the attic.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/327,662 filed on Apr. 24, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus and method for ventilating a building, and more particularly to a ventilation system for ventilating the attic space of a building.

2. Description of Related Art

Ventilating the attic space in a building is known in the prior art. More specifically, by way of example, U.S. PreGrant Publication No. 2010/0227540 to Smith discloses a ventilation tube disposed within an attic space in a building such that the first end of the ventilation tube is positioned adjacent a soffit vent, and the second end of the ventilation tube is positioned within the attic space.

U.S. PreGrant Publication No. 2009/0311958 to Grubka discloses a vent attached over an opening in the soffit. The vent is configured to allow air from an area exterior to the building to enter through the soffit to the attic space.

U.S. PreGrant Publication No. 2009/0203308 to O'Hagin; et al. discloses a roof ventilation system which includes a vent, a fan, a solar panel, a battery and a controller where the vent is configured to provide airflow between an area above and below the roof and the fan is operated by the solar panel.

U.S. PreGrant Publication No. 2005/0191957 to Demetry; et al. discloses apparatus which ventilates an attic space which includes a flexible air sealer and a fan housing unit where the apparatus is placed directly below a roof vent and the air sealer creates a seal between the fan housing and the roof vent and supports fan located in a fan housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,097,111 to Riley, et al. discloses fans for moving air in a livestock storage area where the speed of each fan is controlled by a variable-speed drive which allows the fans to run at speeds below full capacity to control the temperature or humidity in the storage area.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,466 to Fikes discloses an air evacuation and ventilation system which draws air from an outflow air duct and expels it to the outside prior to treating air from an interior space of a building which flows through an inflow air duct.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,953 to Swan discloses a fan mounted on a bottom floor and a conduit which connects the fan outlet to an opening in an outside wall for removing stale relatively damp air from the bottom floor level and discharging it out of the building. Vents located in upper floors allow relatively dry outside air to circulate down toward the bottom floor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,183 to D'Souza discloses an indoor temperature sensor, an outdoor temperature sensor, a programmable electronic thermostat, and a bi-directional power ventilator. The programmable electronic thermostat contains software instructions to switch on or off the power ventilator during pre-determined time schedules in response to changes in the indoor and the outdoor temperatures. During a summer day-time schedule, the thermostat switches on the power ventilator in the normal flow mode to exhaust the building of hot accumulated indoor air if the indoor temperature is greater than a selected set-point temperature and if the indoor temperature is also greater than the outdoor temperature by a predetermined ratio.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,251,026 to Siegel, et al. discloses a control system for use with an attic ventilation fan which operates to reduce heat buildup during the summer months and prevent frost buildup during the winter months by eliminating cold, moisture-laden, air from the attic. A summer control unit is provided to eliminate the hot air and a winter control unit operates without the need of a humidistat to evacuate the moisture laden cold air during the winter months.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed apparatus for venting an attic comprising:

a central controller;

at least one temperature detector located inside the attic;

at least one other temperature detector located outside of the attic; and

at least one attic exhaust fan located within the attic,

-   -   wherein the central controller is connected to the at least one         temperature detector located in the attic, the at least one         temperature detector located outside the attic, and the at least         one attic exhaust fan;     -   wherein data from the temperature detectors is processed by an         algorithm in the central controller which, based on the         information provided by the temperature detectors, controls the         operation of the at least one attic exhaust fan to control the         attic temperature.

In another embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a method of venting an attic comprises:

providing a central controller;

locating at least one temperature detector inside the attic;

locating at least one other temperature detector outside of the attic; and

locating at least one attic exhaust fan within the attic,

-   -   wherein the central controller is connected to the at least one         temperature detector located in the attic, the at least one         temperature detector located outside the attic, and the at least         one attic exhaust fan;     -   wherein data from the temperature detectors is processed by an         algorithm in the central controller which, based on the         information provided by the temperature detectors, controls the         operation of the at least one attic exhaust fan to control the         attic temperature.

The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claim, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a method and apparatus which may be used to ventilate an attic in a home in accordance with the principles of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated mode of carrying out an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic diagram of a method and apparatus which may be used to ventilate an attic in a home 10 in accordance with the principles of the invention which comprises a central controller, temperature detectors where at least one detector is located in the attic, at least one attic fan, a high velocity air conditioner unit and at least one attic vent clamp. Additional temperature detectors may be located to sense the outside temperature. and the temperature within the house, smoke and/or fire detectors and a smoke and/or fire alarm. In an embodiment of the invention the temperature differences in different areas of a building such as home are measured and, using a central controller which may be located in the attic of the home which co-operates with the High Velocity Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit, the attic fans and the attic vent clamps, controls the temperatures in the attic and the home.

The central controller 12 is connected to at least one source of electrical power such as 110 volts AC from the power grid to collect and store data from various temperature detectors such as detectors in the attic, in the house and outside the attic to process one or more algorithm and to operate the attic fans, the attic vent clamps and the HVAC equipment. The central controller 12 may have four dual in-line package (DIP) micro switches 14 for programming temperature thresholds. The central controller 12 may also include a visual status indicator for installation and troubleshooting purposes. in addition to receiving power from the electrical grid, the controller may be connected to operate on energy provided by DC current from solar panels or another source of power, or from a lead acid type of battery or other technology which may be used to provide spare power when a renewable source of energy is used. The various sources of electrical power can operate independently or jointly to provide electrical power. The source of power may also be used to operate the attic fans 16, the temperature detectors 18, the attic vent clamps 20 and the smoke and fire detectors which are a part of the alarm system 22.

The temperature detectors are connected to provide information to the central controller 12 regarding the temperature in a home or building in which the ventilation system is installed. One or more of the temperature detectors may be located in the living area of a home such as in a room on the north side of the building and a room on the south side of the building, in one or more locations outside the building, and in at least one location in the attic. The temperature detectors 18 are connected to the central controller by low voltage conductive wires or by wireless radio to the controller. At least one attic detector may be connected to the controller for appropriate functioning of the ventilation system. However, by using multiple detectors in the attic the decision-making process may increase the efficiency of the system.

Depending on the size of the attic, there may be only one attic fan or multiple attic fans which are operated by the central controller 12 to direct airflow between the attic and the outside of the building. In an embodiment of the invention when there is more than one attic fan, all of the attic fans may be operated simultaneously or they may be operated separately to provide a variable flow of air from the attic to the outside. In another embodiment of the invention the controller 12 may control the speed of the attic fans to provide a variable flow of air from the attic to the outside in addition to providing an on/off control of the attic fans.

Located in the roof of the home or building and in close proximity to the attic fan or fans are attic vent clamps 20 which can be opened or closed independently of each other to control the flow of air from the attic fans through the roof to the outside. The attic vent clamps permit airflow through the roof when open to facilitate ventilation of the attic space. When the attic vent clamps are closed, airflow through the roof is blocked. Control of the attic fans and the attic vent clamps by the central controller provides flexible temperature control of the air in the attic throughout the day and in various seasons of the year. In cold weather, the temperature in the attic is higher than the temperature outside, and when the attic vent clamps are closed, and airflow from the attic is blocked, the attic may become an insulating air pillow that can reduce energy consumption by preventing the loss of heat from the building. The reduced energy consumption may also extend the life of the attic fans.

In an embodiment an alarm system 22 is provide which can recognize fire as well as smoke by using heat detectors and smoke detectors. Multiple detectors distributed in various locations in the attic and/or in the home provide multipoint temperature and smoke measurements which will allow advanced control mechanisms to be implemented for controlling the attic fans and the attic vent clamps upon high heat, smoke and/or fire recognition.

The central controller is adapted to track the trend of temperatures and reacts not only on a programmed threshold but also on temperature differences between the temperature in the attic, in the interior of the building and the outside temperature. In an emergency situation such as a fire in the attic or in the building, as soon as the central controller recognizes the condition it will activate the alarm system to alert the occupants in the building that a dangerous condition exists. and will turn off the attic fans, the HVAC system, and either open or close the attic vent clamps. The alarm System receives an alarm signal from its own detectors and sends a signal to the central controller which activates an audible alarm device.

After a period of non-use and at start up of the attic ventilation system, power may be supplied for the first 24 hours during which time the central controller collects temperature data and stores it in an internal memory. At least one attic temperature detector should be connected during this period while a simple control algorithm is performed. After 24 hours, the central controller should have accumulated enough information to run an advanced control algorithms and make precise adjustments to the attic fans and attic vent clamps. Temperature measurements from the temperature detectors may continually be obtained and an algorithm function may be performed. The availability of information from different temperature detectors located in a common area or in diverse areas can make it possible to run a different algorithm. Based on all the information which is obtained during the past 24 hours, the controller can make a decision about turning the attic fans on and operating the attic vent clamps.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are entitled. 

1. Apparatus for venting an attic comprising: a central controller; at least one temperature detector located inside the attic; at least one other temperature detector located outside of the attic; and at least one attic exhaust fan located within the attic, wherein the central controller is connected to the at least one temperature detector located in the attic, the at least one temperature detector located outside the attic, and the at least one attic exhaust fan; wherein data from the temperature detectors is processed by an algorithm in the central controller which, based on the information provided by the temperature detectors, controls the operation of the at least one attic exhaust fan to control the attic temperature.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the speed of the attic exhaust fan is variable and wherein the central controller can control the speed of the attic exhaust fan to vary the volume of air which is exhausted from the attic to the outside.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein there are at least two attic exhaust fans located in the attic and wherein the at least two attic exhaust fans are controlled by the central controller to operate at the same time and speed.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein there are at least two attic exhaust fans located in the attic and wherein the controller is adapted to operate the at least two attic exhaust fans independently of each other.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein there are at least two attic exhaust fans located in the attic and wherein the controller is adapted to operate the at least two attic exhaust fans simultaneously at different speeds.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one attic vent clamp which is located in the roof to permit airflow through the roof when open to facilitate ventilation of the attic space controlled by the central controller.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein at least two attic vent clamps are located in the roof to permit airflow through the roof when open facilitate ventilation of the attic space are operated simultaneously by the central controller.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein at least two attic vent clamps are located in the roof to permit airflow through the roof when open facilitate ventilation of the attic space are operated independently by the central controller.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein at least two attic vent clamps are located in the roof to permit airflow through the roof when open to facilitate ventilation of the attic space are operated simultaneously by the central controller while the operation of the attic exhaust fans are not operating.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein at least two attic vent clamps are located in the roof to permit airflow through the roof when open to facilitate ventilation of the attic space are operated independently of each other by the central controller while the operation of the attic exhaust fans are not operating.
 11. A method of venting an attic comprises: providing a central controller; locating at least one temperature detector inside the attic; locating at least one other temperature detector outside of the attic; and locating at least one attic exhaust fan within the attic, wherein the central controller is connected to the at least one temperature detector located in the attic, the at least one temperature detector located outside the attic, and the at least one attic exhaust fan; wherein data from the temperature detectors is processed by an algorithm in the central controller which, based on the information provided by the temperature detectors, controls the operation of the at least one attic exhaust fan to control the attic temperature.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the speed of the attic exhaust fan is variable and wherein the central controller can control the speed of the attic exhaust fan to vary the volume of air which is exhausted from the attic to the outside.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein there are at least two attic exhaust fans located in the attic and wherein the at least two attic exhaust fans are controlled by the central controller to operate at the same time and speed.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein there are at least two attic exhaust fans located in the attic and wherein the controller is adapted to operate the at least two attic exhaust fans independently of each other.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein there are at least two attic exhaust fans located in the attic and wherein the controller is adapted to operate the at least two attic exhaust fans simultaneously at different speeds.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein at least one attic vent clamp which is located in the roof to permit airflow through the roof when open to facilitate ventilation of the attic space controlled by the central controller.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein at least two attic vent clamps are located in the roof to permit airflow through the roof when open facilitate ventilation of the attic space are operated simultaneously by the central controller.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein at least two attic vent clamps are located in the roof to permit airflow through the roof when open facilitate ventilation of the attic space are operated independently by the central controller.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein at least two attic vent clamps are located in the roof to permit airflow through the roof when open to facilitate ventilation of the attic space are operated simultaneously by the central controller while the operation of the attic exhaust fans are not operating.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein at least two attic vent clamps are located in the roof to permit airflow through the roof when open to facilitate ventilation of the attic space are operated independently of each other by the central controller while the operation of the attic exhaust fans are not operating 